Enhanced-electrokinetic extraction of heavy metals from dredged harbor sediment

In this study, the feasibility of an ex situ electrokinetic (EK) process combined with pre-oxidation using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and pre-washing using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was investigated in enhancing the extraction of Cu, Pb, and Zn from actual dredged harbor sediment. H2O2 pre-oxidation led to a change in the fractionation of Cu bound to organic matter and the sulfide fraction in the Fe-Mn oxides to the exchangeable fraction, but was not effective at removing metals. In contrast, EDTA pre-washing changed the Fe-Mn oxide-bound fractions of Cu and Pb into easily extractable fractions; 20.1, 27.5, and 32.8% of Cu, Pb, and Zn were removed, respectively. During EK treatment, metals were transported toward the anode by electromigration of negatively charged complexes such as metal-EDTA and metal-citrate. However, EK treatment did not significantly enhance the removal of metals because metals accumulated near the anodic region with an increase in the exchangeable fraction due to the short EK operating duration and low voltage gradient. Therefore, it is necessary to extend the EK operating duration and/or increase the voltage gradient for effective transportation and removal of metals from sediment.